Lactation Aid and Soothing Garment

ABSTRACT

A lactation aid and soothing garment suspends thermal management pads near the surface of a patient&#39;s breasts by means of an adjustable-length neck band passing behind the patient&#39;s neck. The thermal management pads contain a heat-absorbing material that can be heated or cooled, for example in a microwave oven or a refrigerator, to apply heat or cold therapy to the breasts. Some embodiments comprise separable nipple soothers that can be heated or cooled to a different temperature so that the nipples can receive different temperature therapy than the bulk of the breast. Some embodiments facilitate the use of a mechanical breast pump while the thermal therapy is underway. Features of an embodiment allow a patient to wear the garment in a variety of ways in addition to around the neck (e.g., around the waist).

CONTINUITY AND CLAIM OF PRIORITY

This is a United States national-phase patent application filed under 35U.S.C. §371, claiming priority to PCT patent applicationPCT/IB2013/061299 filed 23 Dec. 2013 and to U.S. patent application Ser.No. 13/732,399 filed 1 Jan. 2013. For U.S. purposes, this application isa continuation-in-part of the latter application.

FIELD

The invention relates to functional garments and clothing-likeaccessories. More specifically, the invention relates to garments forproviding localized heating and/or cooling to relieve discomfortassociated with lactation, breast feeding of infants, breast cancertreatments, breast surgery and certain physical injuries and ailments.

BACKGROUND

While specifically addressing the complications that can arise duringbreast feeding, it should be noted that most women find the vastmajority of their nursing experiences to be some of their most intimateand beautiful times with their children. Many mothers experiencedifficulties with lactation. Within 72 hours of giving birth (orthroughout a woman's nursing duration), often women experienceengorgement of their breasts as their breasts start producing more milkto meet the needs of a nursing infant. More blood flows to the breastsand some of the surrounding tissue can swell, eliciting swollen, tender,throbbing breasts. Fortunately, engorgement may pass quickly (24 to 48hours if nursing regularly) for most women. Unfortunately, whenengorgement does not resolve, it can lead to more serious and painfulcomplications of breastfeeding. This can result in problems not only forthe mother but for the feeding infant as well.

Clogged ducts are the enemy of a nursing mother. Milk does not flowfreely with clogged ducts, which can result in the feeding infant'snutritional demands not being met. Sometimes a milk duct leading fromthe milk-making cells through an area of the breast and nipple getplugged (blocked), resulting in a tender lump beneath the areola, andpotentially a wedge-shaped area of redness extending from the lump backtowards the wall of the chest. While the initial discomfort of a cloggedduct may come and go, if left untreated clogged ducts may becomeinfected resulting in mastitis or diminished milk supply.

Mastitis is an infection of the breast tissue. In addition to breastpain, swelling, warmth, and redness of the breast, mastitis alsoincludes flu-like symptoms, such as headache, fever, chills, andexhaustion. Recommended treatments of engorgement, clogged ducts, andmastitis include the application of heat or cold therapy as well as thecontinued expression of milk from the breast(s), either by nursing orpumping. By reducing the speed of impulses conducted by nerve fiberspain sensations are reduced by cold. Additionally, cold causesconstriction of the blood vessels and veins thereby reducing swelling.While it is not well known how the administration of heat reduces pain,it is well known that heat therapy produces a “relaxing and soothing”feeling to the patient as well as opening blood vessels, increasingblood flow, and helping to increase milk flow. When a nursing mother isable to relax, the oxytocin hormone is released, which stimulates milkexpulsion while stimulating prolactin, which helps in the production ofmilk.

New breast feeding mothers are prone to neck tension and discomfort fromlooking down at their babies and breasts while nursing. This posturecreates neck, head and shoulder tension, which can restrict blood-flowin the neck area, which in turn may restrict blood flow to the breastarea resulting in possible restricted milk production and restrictedmilk expulsion. While often painful, emptying the milk from the affectedbreast frequently is important to recovering from the aforementionedconditions. In particular, pumping via an automated breast pump can bebeneficial due the fact that the pumping speed and suction can beincreased/decreased accordingly.

In order to provide some relief, individual cold packs and warmcompresses are utilized. However, this approach is cumbersome andinefficient, requiring a “spare hand” to hold the pack or compress inplace, that a nursing mother simply does not have. When treating forclogged milk ducts, in addition to heat and suction, massaging theaffected area becomes impossible. A mother simply cannot apply acompress, pump (or nurse), massage and care for her infantsimultaneously with just two hands. Existing products require a motherto stuff thermal packs inside her bra with direct contact with the skin,which can be uncomfortable, unsightly and can possibly burn the skin.

Beyond nursing mothers, this invention is also well suited for women whoexperience breast discomfort from breast cancer treatments and any typeof breast related surgery, hot flashes and even PMS. Nursing women andnon-nursing women who suffer from Raynaud's Disease can also benefitgreatly from this invention in that it aids in blood circulation toaffected areas. Inflammation from treatments and surgery can be treatedwith cold breast therapy, and the combination of warm and cold therapyhelps circulate good blood to the affected area resulting in fasterrecovery times.

SUMMARY

At the heart of the present invention is a soothing garment andhands-free lactation aid that allows for the application of heat andcold therapy to both breasts and the neck (as well as to other bodyparts). Embodiments are adjustable, can be worn over clothing, and manyversions are modular, allowing portions of the embodiment to be usedseparately or in flexible combinations such as attached to clothing.Some embodiments are washable, and some employ natural, non-toxicthermal media that retain heat and cold for reasonably long periods oftime. In one variation, the therapeutic garment supports a mechanicalbreast pump, allowing the user to simultaneously pump while applyingwarm or cold therapy to her breasts, while having free hands to massageher breasts if she is attempting to loosen a clogged milk duct.

In addition to applying soothing comfort to the breast and neck, thepresent invention comprises features that allow it to be worn around thewaist to help ease discomfort from the pelvic and lower back areas withthe application of heat and cold therapy.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the invention are illustrated by way of example and notby way of limitation in the figures of the accompanying drawings inwhich like references indicate similar elements. It should be noted thatreferences to “an” or “one” embodiment in this disclosure are notnecessarily to the same embodiment, and such references mean “at leastone.”

FIG. 1 shows a female figure wearing a typical embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 2 shows several components that may be present in an embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a plan view of a simple embodiment.

FIGS. 4 a and 4 b show front and ¾ rear views of a patient wearing anembodiment.

FIG. 5 shows an alternate position where an embodiment can be secured.

FIG. 6 shows another alternate position where an embodiment can be worn.

FIGS. 7 a and 7 b show front and ¾ rear views of an embodiment inanother wearing position.

FIG. 8 shows a thermal management pad of an embodiment sized for apatient with smaller breasts.

FIG. 9 shows a thermal management pad of an embodiment sized for apatient with larger breasts.

FIG. 10 shows a cross-section of a thermal management pad suited for alarger-breasted patient.

FIG. 11 is a cross-section of a thermal management pad that may be usedin the neck band portion of an embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a plan view of a neck-band thermal management pad.

FIG. 13 shows how a thermal management pad may be inserted and securedin a neck band.

FIG. 14 shows some details of a multi-part thermal management pad.

FIG. 15 shows how a thermal management pad and cover may be adjustablysecured to a neck band.

FIG. 16 shows an arrangement of neck band and thermal management padcover to reduce the number of exposed edges and cloth flaps.

FIGS. 17-19 show front, side and rear views of a thermal insertaccording to an embodiment of the invention.

FIGS. 20-22 show front, side and rear views of another thermal insertaccording to an embodiment of the invention.

FIGS. 23 and 24 show details of a nipple soother that may be used withmany of the embodiments disclosed herein.

FIGS. 25 and 26 show the relationship between a thermal insert orthermal management pad and a nipple soother used therewith.

FIGS. 27-33 show a variety of ways that an individual component of anembodiment may be secured to a garment and used separately.

FIGS. 34 and 35 show details of parts or accessories of an embodimentthat allow a portion of the embodiment to be secured to a garment andused separately.

FIG. 36 shows the accessories of FIGS. 34 and 35 as applied to secure aportion of the embodiment to a garment.

FIG. 37 is a plan view of another embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 38 shows how an embodiment that accommodates a mechanical breastpump can be worn by a patient.

FIG. 39 shows an accessory that may be preferred by some patients.

FIG. 40 shows how an individual portion of a breast-pump-facilitatingembodiment may be secured to a garment and used separately.

FIGS. 41 and 42 show front and side views of an embodiment thataccommodates a breast pump.

FIGS. 43-47 show a variety of length-adjustment mechanisms that may beused on a reduced-cost embodiment.

FIGS. 48-50 show variously sized, non-adjustable embodiments in severaldifferent shapes.

FIGS. 51-56 show a number of thermal management pad sizes, shapes, andattachment mechanisms.

FIG. 57 shows another embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 58 shows a low-cost embodiment of the invention.

FIGS. 59 and 60 show details of one thermal management pad and strapsimilar to the low-cost embodiment of FIG. 58.

FIG. 61 shows thermal management pad quilting in a low-cost embodiment.

FIG. 62 shows how a low-cost embodiment may nevertheless be used with anipple soother.

FIG. 63 shows an embodiment that may be suitable for use in a clinicalsetting.

FIGS. 64 and 65 show an embodiment that uses an alternatelength-adjustment mechanism, where the length has been adjusted to twodifferent lengths.

FIG. 66 shows another embodiment with an alternate length adjustmentmechanism.

FIG. 67 shows an embodiment which is adjusted via a crossover orpass-through pocket.

FIG. 68 shows a patient wearing the crossover embodiment of FIG. 67.

FIGS. 69-71 show embodiments with several alternate temperatureadjusting (heating or cooling) subsystems.

FIG. 72 is a front view of an embodiment similar to that in FIG. 57. Thethermal management pads are shown adjusted to different lengths.

FIG. 73 is a rear ¾ view of a patient wearing an embodiment like that inFIGS. 57 and 72.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 shows a general perspective view of a female patient (dashedlines) wearing a typical embodiment of the invention 100. This Figureshows many (but not all) features of an embodiment: there are twothermal management pads (110, 120) joined together by a flexible,elongated neck band 130 which passes behind the patient's neck. In thisembodiment, each thermal management pad 110, 120 is secured to a lateralend of the neck band 130 by means of buttons 140, 150. The neck band 130comprises a plurality of button-holes 160, 170, so that the distancebetween the thermal management pads in the long direction of the neckband may be adjusted. It should be noted that the method of attachingthe thermal management pad may employ other attachment methods, such as(without limitation) buttons, snaps, ties, hooks, clips, quick-releasefasteners, zippers or magnets. Typically, a patient would adjust thelength of the garment so that each thermal management pad hangs at aboutthe level of the patient's breasts. In this embodiment, a small strap180 is used to hold the two thermal management pads relatively close toone another, so that the pads do not slide laterally off to the sides ofthe patient's breasts.

In all embodiments, the thermal management pads contain a materialhaving an effective thermal mass that is capable of absorbing andre-radiating heat over a period of time. In use, the heat-absorbingmaterial is either heated (e.g., in a microwave oven) or cooled (e.g.,in a refrigerator or freezer) and then the heated or cooled pads aresecured over the patient's breasts to apply hot or cold therapy.Suitable heat-absorbing materials include natural grains or substancessuch as rice, corn (maize), wheat, flax or rye; other natural materialssuch as buckwheat hulls, walnut shells, cherry pits, apricot pits, clay,sand or water; beads or granules of an inorganic material such ceramicbeads, metal or stones (gravel); synthetic materials such as polymerpellets, sodium acetate gel or non-migrating gel; or materials thatundergo air activated-exothermic oxidation, exothermic crystallizationor endothermic reaction. Non-toxic materials are preferred, as arematerials that are inert and relatively unsusceptible to damage by heat,moisture and mechanical agitation. Materials that can be heated byexposure to microwaves in a microwave oven perform well. In a preferrednatural-grain embodiment, rice is used. In a preferredinorganic-material embodiment, ceramic beads or thermal beads are used.Many of these materials may be reheated and reused many times. However,single-use heating or cooling packets may also be used. Selection amongthese and other suitable materials is within the capabilities of one ofordinary skill in the relevant arts.

FIG. 2 shows an embodiment similar to the one in FIG. 1, in whichseveral portions of the garment have been disassembled to show internalstructures. In this Figure, the neck band 230 and thermal managementpads 210, 220 can be seen as relatively thin, two-sided structures. Thetwo different surfaces (233 and 236 of the neck band 230; and 215 and225 of the thermal management pads 210, 220) may be finished withdifferent materials, such as a cooling fabric 215 that feels coolagainst a patient's skin and facilitates the absorption of body heatinto the thermal insert 240 for cold therapy; and a warming fabric 225that feels warm against a patient's skin and facilitates the radiationof heat from a heated thermal insert 250 into the patient's breasts forheat therapy. Typically, the invention would be worn cool-fabric sidetoward the body for cool therapy and warm-fabric side toward the bodyfor heat therapy. Thus, having warm and cool sides distinguished bycolor, fabric, texture and/or pattern is preferred. (Note that thermalmanagement pads 210 and 220 comprise covers and separate thermalinserts.) The outer edges of the pad covers may be finished with arobust binding material 218 to prevent wear and damage to the edges ofthe fabrics on the inner and outer faces of the pads. The bindingmaterial also permits less-expensive manufacturing practices. (The samebinding technique may also be used to finish the edges of the thermalinserts 240, 250 and 270.)

In this embodiment, the neck band and thermal pad portions areconfigured as covers for removable thermal inserts 240, 250 and 270. Theremovable thermal inserts contain the heat-absorbing material, and maybe placed in the microwave or freezer separately from the neck band andpad covers.

This Figure shows that each pad cover (“breast cozy”) has an opening 260through which a thermal insert 240, 250 can be inserted and removed. Theneck band 230 also has an opening 235 through which another thermalinsert 270 can be inserted and removed. The breast cozy openings areclosed by buttons 280, which also serve to secure the thermal managementpad structure at an adjustable position along the length of the neckband 230.

The thermal inserts contain effective quantities of heat-absorbingmaterials such as grain, rice, metal shot, thermal beads, water, thermalgel, or similar substances. The pads may be quilted as shown at 245, 255to help prevent the heat-absorbing materials from settling at one sideof the insert and improve uniformity of heat/cold distribution.

A button 290 and button-hole 295 near edges of the thermal managementpads serve as an attachment mechanism to hold the two thermal managementpads relatively close to one another and prevent them from slidinglaterally off a patient's breasts and allow for alternative wearingpositions, such as around the waist.

FIG. 3 shows a plan view of an embodiment, with the thermal managementpads 310 and 320 located at opposite ends of the neck band 330. The neckband may be mostly straight and rectangular, or may have an enlargedportion near its midpoint, as shown here. The enlarged portion maycontain heat-absorbing material, or may have a pocket to contain aremovable thermal insert containing the heat absorbing material (asshown in FIG. 2).

FIGS. 4 a and 4 b show front ¼ and back ¾ views, respectively, of apatient wearing an embodiment of the invention. Note at 495 that thethermal management pads are slightly overlapping: they are being heldtogether by a button/button-hole attachment mechanism that prevents thepads from sliding to the sides and off the patient's breasts.

FIG. 5 shows how one thermal management pad 510 can be moved and placedon the patient's shoulder to permit access to a breast for feeding aninfant or for pumping (the neck band 530 wraps around the patient'sneck).

FIG. 6 shows another position in which an embodiment may be worn. Thisposition facilitates the application of heat or cold therapy to onebreast, including the side thereof and also the patient's back. Thisposition is especially effective for relieving pain from deeply cloggedmilk ducts. At 695, the inter-pad attachment mechanism can be seen tohold the pads together at the patient's side.

FIG. 7 a shows how the thermal pad attachment mechanism (a button andbutton-hole 795 in this embodiment, see detail 710) may be used tosecure the embodiment around a patient's waist, for applying heat orcold to the patient's pelvic area for after pains, pelvic cramps and/orendometriosis discomfort. Inset 710 shows the reverse side of thestructure; note that the pad attachment mechanism 795 hold the padstogether so that the same sides (warm or cool) face in the samedirection. FIG. 7 b is a rear ¾ view of the same patient, showing thatthe “neck” band 730 (used here as a “body” band) traverses the small ofthe patient's back; if the embodiment comprises a thermal management padin the neck band, it can apply heat or cold to the patient's lower backfor relieving back tension or epidural discomfort.

FIGS. 8 and 9 show that the thermal management pads may be of varyingsizes (810, 910), to suit varying patient breast sizes. Larger thermalmanagement pads (910, for larger breasts) may be constructed with aslightly contoured profile (shown in FIG. 10 as section A-A) to conformbetter to the larger breast. The contour may be formed, for example, bysewing darts 913, 916, 919 radially in a roughly-circular pad and/orpad-cover.

FIG. 11 shows a side view of a thermal management pad 1100 suitable foruse in a pocket of a neck band. In the plan view of the same pad, FIG.12, one can see that the pad 1200 is quilted (stitch lines 1210) to helpmaintain a uniform distribution of heat-absorbing material over theentire pad. Elastic loops 1250 are shown at each end of 1200 to preventsliding within the neck band. FIG. 13 shows that the thermal managementpad 1300 may be inserted through an opening 1310 of the neck band 1330and secured in place by means of (internal) buttons 1340 and loops 1350at either end of the pad.

FIG. 14 shows details of a thermal pad cover (breast cozy) 1410 and aremovable thermal insert 1440 that can be inserted therein. The thermalinsert includes a strap 1450, whose function will be described later.The breast cozy is a two-surfaced pocket structure with an opening 1460through which the thermal insert 1440 can be inserted. The opening maybe closed by buttons 1470 and button-holes 1480. A strip ofhook-and-loop fabric 1490 inside the cozy 1410 may help suspend thermalinsert 1440 within the cover, without slumping to the bottom. In thisfigure, a button-hole 1495 comprises half of the mechanism for securingthis thermal pad cover to another thermal pad cover which will bepositioned at the other end of the neck band.

FIG. 15 shows that the buttons 1580 and button-holes 1590 that close theopening of a breast cozy also serve to secure the breast cozy 1510 toneck band 1530. Since the neck band 1530 has a plurality of button-holes1535 positioned at varying distances along its length, the position ofthe breast cozy 1510 and its enclosed thermal insert (not shown) may beadjusted to suit the position of the patient's breasts. Note thatbuttons 1580 will pass through the neck band button holes 1535, and thenthrough the corresponding breast cozy button-holes 1590. The free end ofthe neck band may be tucked into the breast cozy pocket, as shown inFIG. 16.

FIGS. 17-19 show front, side and rear views, respectively, of a thermalinsert of an embodiment (1740). The pad may have quilting (e.g.,stitching 1750 forming closed compartments with central circular stitch1760; or partial barriers 1770) to control the movement ofheat-absorbing material within the pad. One surface of the pad 1780 maybe covered with a different material than the other surface of the pad1980. The center of at least one side of the pad may comprise a segmentof loop fabric 1910, whose purpose will be discussed later. These viewsshow a strap 1720 and snap 1925, which may be used to secure the pad toa patient's bra strap or tank top so that the pad can be used alone,without the neck strap or other pad. A button-hole-like feature 1930 maybe provided so that the pad can be hung from a hook of a nursing bra, asdetailed below.

The thermal management pad shown in FIGS. 17-19 is suitable for smallerbreasts, and so its profile is relatively flat (FIG. 18). Of course, thepad is made of supple material, so that it can conform to moderatecurvatures of the patient's body. It should be noted that the method ofattaching the thermal management pad may employ other attachmentmethods, such as (without limitation) buttons, snaps, ties, hooks,clips, quick-release fasteners, zippers or magnets.

In contrast, FIGS. 20-22 show a thermal insert suitable for use by alarger-breasted patient. This pad has many of the same features as thepad discussed with reference to FIGS. 17-19, but in addition to thequilting 2060 and 2070, darts or puckers 2076, 2077, 2078, may beprovided so that the pad can conform more closely with a larger, morepronounced breast. To reduce pad weight and improve heat distribution,certain quilted compartments 2080 may be empty (i.e., not filled withheat-absorbing material). FIG. 22 shows a section of loop fabric 2210which could mate with a corresponding section of hook fabric as shownin, for example, FIG. 14 at 1490.

Turning next to FIGS. 23 and 24, those figures show a disc-shaped nipplesoother 2300. The nipple soother has a smooth surface 2310, opposite adisc of hook fabric 2420 which allows the nipple soother to be securedto a center area of a thermal insert such as those discussed withreference to FIGS. 17-22. The nipple soother may also containheat-absorbing material, which may be heated or cooled separately fromthe main thermal management pad. Thus, the combination of thermalmanagement pad and nipple soother may be used to apply differenttemperatures to different areas of a patient's breast.

FIGS. 25 and 26 show how a nipple soother 2300 may be secured to theloop fabric 1910 of a thermal insert 1740. In the profile view of FIG.26, note that the nipple soother 2300 is approximately coplanar with therest of the thermal management pad. The surface on which the nipplesoother is located would be placed in contact with the patient's breast(either directly or over the patient's clothing).

FIG. 27 shows how an individual thermal management pad 2700 may be wornby securing a strap 2720 around the shoulder strap 2730 of a tank top,camisole or bra (not shown). This arrangement illustrates why the strapsidentified as, e.g., 1720 in FIGS. 17-22, are only fixed to the pad atone end, and use a snap, button or hook-and-loop fastener to secure theother end: the partially-free strap permits the pad to be secured easilyto a shoulder strap of a garment or a bra strap without removing thegarment or bra.

FIG. 28 shows that an individual thermal management pad 2800 may be wornover a tee-shirt 2810 or similar garment by sliding a bra strap 2820enough to expose it through the neck opening of the garment, and thensecuring the pad to the bra strap as explained above.

An inexpensive embodiment (FIG. 29) may use simple tie strings 2910,2920 instead of a strap with snaps, buttons or hook-and-loop fabric.This Figure also introduces another feature that may be present in someembodiments: the thermal management pad may have a central opening 2930(i.e., it may be an annulus or donut-shape containing heat-absorbingmaterial).

FIG. 30 shows another way that an individual thermal management pad 3000may be secured in place to a patient's garment: here, the strap 3010 ofa snap-style nursing bra or camisole 3020 can be disconnected and thestrap passed through the button-hole-like feature 3030 (similar to 1930in FIGS. 17-22). Once the strap is re-connected, the thermal managementpad 3000 will hang in the correct position at the top edge of the bra orcamisole.

FIG. 31 shows another possible attachment: with a nursing bra 3110having a hook 3120 holding a panel over the breast, button-hole 3130 maybe hung from the same hook (with the bra panel open or closed, as thepatient prefers).

FIGS. 32 and 33 show two further alternate embodiments: in FIG. 32, aquick-release buckle 3210 is used to hang thermal management pad 3200from a camisole shoulder strap 3220. Note also that the thermalmanagement pad may take a shape other than roughly circular. Here, it ishexagonal. However, quilting is still preferred to help prevent settlingof the heat-absorbing material.

In FIG. 33, a flexible, open plastic hook 3310 is used to hang thethermal management pad 3300 from the camisole shoulder strap 3320.

FIG. 36 shows yet another single-thermal-pad attachment arrangement.Here, a breast cozy 3600 comprising buttons 3610 for closing the openingmay be used with a short, elongated strap 3410 having button holes 3400at either end (FIG. 34). The strap is attached to the buttons of thebreast cozy, FIG. 35, and passed around the camisole shoulder strap tosuspend the breast cozy and its enclosed thermal insert.

FIGS. 37-42 show embodiments incorporating an important variation of thebasic invention discussed heretofore. Beginning with FIG. 37, note thatit shows a plan view of an embodiment similar to the one depicted inFIG. 3. However, in FIG. 37, the thermal management pads 3710 and 3720have a more complex shape: they are partial annuli, having an outerradius 3730, an inner radius 3740, and an expandable gap 3750. Theexpandable gap is bridged by an elastic member 3760 which pulls the endsof the annulus back together after they are stretched apart. Note alsothat the partially-annular thermal management pads have loops at severallocations 3770, 3775. The purpose of those loops will be discussedpresently. Other portions of this embodiment are similar to earlierones: the neck strap 3780 is the same, with multiple button holes topermit adjustment of the distance 3790 between the thermal managementpads in the direction of the neck strap.

Turning next to FIG. 38, the embodiment is shown on a female patient.Like other forms, this one is adjusted so that the thermal managementpads 3810, 3820 hang at about the level of the patient's breasts, and inparticular, so that the inner diameters of the partial annuli 3815, 3825are near the patient's nipples. A belt 3840 may be connected from oneloop 3870, around the patient's back and to another loop, so that thethermal management pads are held more securely against the patient'sbreasts.

This Figure shows the purpose of the annular thermal management padshape as well: a breast pump 3890 may be positioned with its funnelinserted through an annulus inner diameter, so that the pump may beoperated while the thermal pads are in contact with the breasts. I.e.,the expandable gap of an annulus is opened and the funnel portion ofbreast pump 3890 is inserted therethrough. Then, the expandable gap isallowed to close, so that the neck of the funnel is held in position,but the cone or mouth of the funnel cannot be pulled back out easily.)

This embodiment improves patient comfort during breast pumping byoffering thermal therapy, relieves the patient of having to hold thebreast pump in position by hand, and allows the patient to massage herbreast while expressing milk. The embodiment may comprise a privacyshield or gown 3930, as shown in FIG. 39. The gown may attach over thethermal management pads 3920 by the same buttons that hold the thermalmanagement pads to the neck strap (which are the same buttons that closethe breast cozy pockets), or to any other button hole or otherattachment mechanism along the neck band.

FIG. 40 shows how the thermal management pad of an annular-openingembodiment may be used separately from the neck strap and anotherthermal pad. Like the earlier embodiments, the thermal pad 4000comprises features such as a strap 4020 and/or a button-hole 4030 thatfacilitate the attachment of the pad to a patient's nursing garment, ina position suitable for operating a breast pump 4090.

FIGS. 41 and 42 show details of the annular-opening style of thermalmanagement pad. Like the solid (non-annular) embodiments, quilting maybe used to prevent the heat-absorbing material from shifting orsettling. FIG. 41 clearly shows the elastic band 4160 that closes theexpandable gap. In place of the elastic band, an alternate closure suchas a button, snap, tie string or segment of hook-and-loop fabric, may beused to close the gap.

FIGS. 43-47 show several lower-cost embodiments, where only one of thetwo thermal management pads is position-adjustable. In FIG. 43, theright pad 4310 is adjusted by buttons and button-holes, as inpreviously-discussed embodiments. In FIG. 44, adjustment is accomplishedby mating snaps 4450. FIG. 45 shows an embodiment that uses tie strings4550 through button holes 4560. FIG. 46 uses hook-and-loop fabricsections 4650. FIG. 47 uses a shortening belt 4750, with a hook-and-loopsecuring section 4760.

Embodiments may also be made in fixed sizes, and in various shapes, asshown in FIGS. 48-50. These embodiments may be directly filled withheat-absorbing material, or may comprise a cover into which one or morethermal pads may be inserted. Although not shown in these Figures,quilting would probably be used to prevent undesired shifting andsettling of the heat-absorbing material.

FIGS. 51-56 show a number of additional variations, includingdifferently-shaped thermal management pads (circular 5110, oval 5210,hexagonal 5310, square 5410 or teardrop-shaped 5610); and differentlength-adjustment mechanisms (multiple buttons 5150, snaps 5250, ties5350, hook-and-loop 5450, or single buttons 5550). A hook-and-loopsecuring embodiment like the one shown in FIG. 55 may permit additionalthermal management pads 5530 to be positioned along the neck band,allowing heat or cold therapy to be applied to a body part across whichthe band travels. (Typically, the neck band passes behind the neck, butrecall that FIGS. 6, 7 a and 7 b show alternate wearing positions thatplace the neck band against the shoulder or the small of the back.)

FIG. 57 shows a more-structured embodiment, where a cape-like portion5730 covers more of the neck and shoulders, while still performing thethermal management pad suspension duties of the previously-depictedembodiments. The ends of this embodiment, 5710 and 5720, are the thermalmanagement breast pads. Cape-like portion 5730 is quilted and containsheat-absorbing material.

FIG. 58 shows another low-cost embodiment. Here, two similar oridentical thermal management pads 5810, 5820 are provided with a clothstrap (refer to element 5930 or 6030 in FIG. 59 or 60). The bulbous endof the embodiment contains heat-absorbing material, while the clothstraps may be tied together (5850) to form an adjustable-lengthembodiment. FIGS. 59 and 60 show how this embodiment may be formed as apocket to contain a thermal management pad as earlier described: eithera partially annular one 5910 with expanding gap (FIG. 59) to accommodatea breast pump, or a standard non-opening one (FIG. 60, 6010). Note thatthe inserted thermal management pads may comprise some or all of thevarious features discussed with reference, particularly, to FIGS. 14-26(including, in particular, the nipple soother 6040). At FIG. 59, 5912,note that the elastic at the expandable-gap may be disconnected at oneside to facilitate inserting the thermal insert into a breast cozy.

FIGS. 61 and 62 show a low-cost embodiment like 58-60, where theheat-absorbing material is contained directly in a quilted sheath,rather than a thermal insert to be placed in a pocket. Cloth straps canbe tied together to adjust length. The embodiment may have a cool sideand a warm side, as previously discussed.

FIG. 63 shows an embodiment that is suitable for use in a hospital orclinic setting: the thermal management pads 6310, 6320 may be made of(or covered with) a medical grade antimicrobial material that iscompatible with industrial cleaning and sterilization practices. Theembodiment uses a length of webbing 6330 for a neck strap, and thelength of the garment can be adjusted by a buckle mechanism 6340. At6350, one can see a snap on a webbing tab; the two tabs can be snappedtogether to hold the thermal management pads in position over thepatient's breasts.

This embodiment introduces another inventive feature that may be presenton any version of the invention. Here, a graduated indicator 6351 isdisposed on one of the thermal management pads. The indicator shows thetemperature of the pad, as suggested by inset 6360. A variety ofindicators may be used: for example, a direct-reading temperature scale,or a temperature sensitive material over the thermal management pad,which changes color according to the temperature of the pad. Thisfeature may provide warning of an overheated thermal management pad, tohelp prevent patient injury.

FIGS. 64 and 65 show another alternate embodiment where lengthadjustment is accomplished by using an internal elastic cord 6450 thatpulls thermal management pads 6410, 6420 up (FIG. 64) or allows them tohang further down (FIG. 65). A cord stopper 6460 secures the cord at thedesired position, leaving the thermal management pads hanging at asuitable length.

FIG. 66 shows how an elastic band (or tie) 6650 may be used to hold thethermal management pad ends 6610, 6620 at a shorter or longer distance6680 apart. Other mechanical fastening mechanisms may be used to holdthe pads at a desired location.

FIG. 67 shows yet another alternate embodiment, where a quilted,basically rectangular garment 6700 comprises a through pocket 6750. Oneend of the garment 6710 is passed through the pocket, forming acrossover, so that one end of the garment 6710 is positioned over onebreast and the other end 6720 is positioned over the other breast (FIG.68).

Although the embodiments described heretofore have accomplished thermalmanagement and the delivery of heating or cooling therapy by heating (orcooling) a heat-absorbing material contained in a thermal managementpad, FIGS. 69-70 show that embodiments may use electric power to createtemperature differences. Electric power may be provided by batteries(FIG. 69, 6933), or by an external power supply (FIG. 70, 7033), whichmay or may not be rechargeable. In some embodiments, the heating and/orcooling material may be a liquid urged through tubes 7115 and 7125 inthe thermal management pads 7110, 7120 by a pump 7140 (FIG. 71).

FIG. 72 shows a variation of the cape-like embodiment first introducedat FIG. 57. This embodiment comprises thermal management pads 7210, 7220which may be secured at adjustable positions by buttons and buttonholes,or by any other mechanism discussed in the foregoing. FIG. 73 shows aside view of a patient wearing the embodiment of FIG. 72.

The applications of the present invention have been described largely byreference to specific embodiments and combinations of features. However,those of skill in the art will recognize that beneficial heating orcooling effects can be provided to a patient's breasts (or other areas)by embodiments that combine different selections of the featuresdisclosed herein. For example, one implementation may be two thermalmanagement pads, each such pad constructed of materials having aneffective thermal mass and each finished with at least one soft,compliant outer surface; a flexible, elongated neck band configured tojoin the two thermal management pads together so that one thermalmanagement pad is located near each end of the neck band; and anattachment mechanism to hold the two thermal management pads relativelyclose to one another, such that the soft, compliant outer surfacesthereof face in one common direction.

Another embodiment may be the foregoing breast garment wherein adistance between the thermal management pads is adjustable in adirection parallel to a long axis of the neck band.

Another embodiment may be the foregoing breast garment wherein eachthermal management pad contains a natural grain.

Another embodiment may be the foregoing breast garment wherein eachthermal management pad contains granules of an inorganic-material.

Another embodiment may be the foregoing breast garment wherein at leastone thermal management pad is to be attached to the neck band by matingbuttons and button-holes.

Another embodiment may be the foregoing breast garment wherein eachthermal management pad comprises a thermal management pad cover and aremovable thermal management pad insert.

Another embodiment may be the foregoing breast garment wherein theflexible, elongated neck band comprises a third thermal management pad.

Another embodiment may comprise two thermal management pads, each padcomprising a fabric container holding an effective quantity ofheat-absorbing material; two thermal management pad covers, each covercomprising a fabric container sized to enclose one thermal managementpad, each cover having an opening through which the enclosed thermalmanagement pad may be inserted and removed, and each opening secured bya button and a button-hole; an elongated neck band having a plurality ofbutton-holes at each end thereof, a width of said neck band beingsimilar to a width of the thermal management pad cover openings, andsaid neck band button-holes positioned to accept buttons of a thermalmanagement pad cover button; and one of a strap, a buckle, a button, ora hook-and-loop fastener positioned to secure one side of a firstthermal management pad cover to another side of a second thermalmanagement pad cover.

Another embodiment may be the foregoing breast garment wherein eachthermal management pad is quilted to restrict movement of the effectivequantity of heat-absorbing material contained therein.

Another embodiment may be the foregoing breast garment wherein eachthermal management pad is contoured to conform more closely to a breastshape.

Another embodiment may be the foregoing breast garment wherein eachthermal management pad comprises a section of a loop side ofhook-and-loop fabric, the breast garment further comprising twodisc-shaped nipple soothers, each nipple soother containing a quantityof heat absorbing material and each nipple soother secured to a sectionof a hook side of hook-and-loop fabric, so that each nipple soother maybe removably affixed to a corresponding one of the two thermalmanagement pads.

Another embodiment may be the foregoing breast garment wherein eachthermal management pad comprises a strap that is permanently connectedon one end and detachably connected on another end.

Another embodiment may be a breast garment wherein two partially-annularthermal management pads having an outer diameter, an inner diameter andan expandable gap, said inner diameter and expandable gap in an expandedstate large enough to accommodate a funnel of a breast pump and saidinner diameter and expandable gap in an unexpanded state large enough toaccommodate a neck of the funnel of the breast pump but not large enoughto accommodate the funnel of the breast pump; a flexible, elongated neckband joining the two partially-annular thermal management pads; alength-adjustment mechanism to alter a distance between the twopartially-annular thermal management pads in a long direction of theneck band so that the partially-annular thermal management pads can bepositioned on a patient with a first inner diameter of a first of thetwo partially-annular thermal management pads located near a nipple of aleft breast of the patient and a second inner diameter of a second ofthe two partially-annular thermal management pads located near a nippleof a right breast of the patient, the flexible elongated neck bandpassing behind a neck of the patient; and a belt to pass around a backof the patient from the first partially-annular thermal management padto the second partially-annular thermal management pad to hold thepartially-annular thermal management pads against the breasts of thepatient.

Another embodiment may be the foregoing breast garment, furthercomprising a privacy gown configured to be secured to cover both of thepartially-annular thermal management pads.

Another embodiment may be the foregoing breast garment wherein eachpartially-annular thermal management pad comprises a partially-annularthermal management pad insert containing an effective quantity of aheat-absorbing material, said pad insert having quilting to prevent freemovement of the heat-absorbing material within the pad insert; and apartially-annular thermal management pad cover to contain thepartially-annular thermal management pad insert, said thermal managementpad cover having an opening to admit the thermal management pad insert,and said opening to be closed with a button and button-hole closure.

Another embodiment may be a breast garment comprising two similarcontoured breast cozies, each containing an effective quantity of athermal management substance and each sized and shaped to contact asubstantial portion of a surface of a left or right breast of a patient;a neck strap to join the two breast cozies; and length adjustment meansfor altering a distance between the two breast cozies along the neckstrap so that each breast cozy hangs near a respective left or rightbreast when suspended by the neck strap passing behind a neck of thepatient.

Another embodiment may be the foregoing breast garment, furthercomprising anti-separation means to prevent the breast cozies fromseparating and sliding laterally off patient's left and right breasts.

Another embodiment may be the foregoing breast garment wherein thelength adjustment means comprises a button and a plurality ofbutton-holes.

Another embodiment may be the foregoing breast garment wherein thelength adjustment means comprises a tie string and a plurality ofbutton-holes.

Another embodiment may be the foregoing breast garment wherein thelength adjustment means comprises a snap post and a plurality of matingsnap sockets.

Another embodiment may be the foregoing breast garment wherein thelength adjustment means comprises a hook fabric patch and a plurality ofmating loop fabric patches.

Another embodiment may be the foregoing breast garment wherein eachbreast cozy comprises a fabric pocket having a heating-application sideand an opposite cooling application side; and a thermal insertcontaining the effective quantity of the thermal management substance,said thermal insert sized to fit in the fabric pocket.

Another embodiment may be the foregoing breast garment wherein thethermal management substance is rice.

Another embodiment may be the foregoing breast garment wherein thethermal management substance is thermal beads.

Another embodiment may be the foregoing breast garment wherein thethermal insert comprises means for securing the thermal insert to one ofa bra strap, a tank top strap, or a nursing bra hook.

Another embodiment may be the foregoing breast garment wherein thethermal insert comprises a removable nipple soother.

Another embodiment may be the foregoing breast garment wherein theremovable nipple soother contains a second thermal management substance,said second thermal management substance to be heated or cooled to adifferent temperature than the thermal management substance of thethermal insert.

These and other variations, combinations and alternate implementationsare understood to be captured according to the following claims.

I claim:
 1. A therapeutic breast garment comprising: two thermalmanagement pads, each such pad constructed of materials having aneffective thermal mass and each finished with at least one soft,compliant outer surface; a flexible, elongated neck band configured tojoin the two thermal management pads together so that one thermalmanagement pad is located near each end of the neck band; and anattachment mechanism to hold the two thermal management pads relativelyclose to one another, such that the soft, compliant outer surfacesthereof face in one common direction.
 2. The therapeutic breast garmentof claim 1 wherein a distance between the thermal management pads isadjustable in a direction parallel to a long axis of the neck band. 3.The therapeutic breast garment of claim 1 wherein each thermalmanagement pad contains a natural grain.
 4. The therapeutic breastgarment of claim 1 wherein each thermal management pad contains granulesof an inorganic-material.
 5. The therapeutic breast garment of claim 1wherein at least one thermal management pad is to be attached to theneck band by mating buttons and button-holes.
 6. The therapeutic breastgarment of claim 1 wherein each thermal management pad comprises athermal management pad cover and a removable thermal management padinsert.
 7. The therapeutic breast garment of claim 1 wherein theflexible, elongated neck band comprises a third thermal management pad.8. A therapeutic breast garment comprising: two thermal management pads,each pad comprising a fabric container holding an effective quantity ofheat-absorbing material; two thermal management pad covers, each covercomprising a fabric container sized to enclose one thermal managementpad, each cover having an opening through which the enclosed thermalmanagement pad may be inserted and removed, and each opening secured bya button and a button-hole; an elongated neck band having a plurality ofbutton-holes at each end thereof, a width of said neck band beingsimilar to a width of the thermal management pad cover openings, andsaid neck band button-holes positioned to accept buttons of a thermalmanagement pad cover button; and one of a strap, a buckle, a snap, abutton, or a hook-and-loop fastener positioned to secure one side of afirst thermal management pad cover to another side of a second thermalmanagement pad cover.
 9. The therapeutic breast garment of claim 8wherein each thermal management pad is quilted to restrict movement ofthe effective quantity of heat-absorbing material contained therein. 10.The therapeutic breast garment of claim 8 wherein each thermalmanagement pad is contoured to conform more closely to a breast shape.11. The therapeutic breast garment of claim 8 wherein each thermalmanagement pad comprises a section of a loop side of hook-and-loopfabric, the breast garment further comprising: two disc-shaped nipplesoothers, each nipple soother containing a quantity of heat absorbingmaterial and each nipple soother secured to a section of a hook side ofhook-and-loop fabric, so that each nipple soother may be removablyaffixed to a corresponding one of the two thermal management pads. 12.The therapeutic breast garment of claim 8 wherein each thermalmanagement pad comprises a strap that is permanently connected on oneend and detachably connected on another end.
 13. A therapeutic breastgarment comprising: two partially-annular thermal management pads havingan outer diameter, an inner diameter and an expandable gap, said innerdiameter and expandable gap in an expanded state large enough toaccommodate a funnel of a breast pump and said inner diameter andexpandable gap in an unexpanded state large enough to accommodate a neckof the funnel of the breast pump but not large enough to accommodate thefunnel of the breast pump; a flexible, elongated neck band joining thetwo partially-annular thermal management pads; a length-adjustmentmechanism to alter a distance between the two partially-annular thermalmanagement pads in a long direction of the neck band so that thepartially-annular thermal management pads can be positioned on a patientwith a first inner diameter of a first of the two partially-annularthermal management pads located near a nipple of a left breast of thepatient and a second inner diameter of a second of the twopartially-annular thermal management pads located near a nipple of aright breast of the patient, the flexible elongated neck band passingbehind a neck of the patient; and a belt to pass around a back of thepatient from the first partially-annular thermal management pad to thesecond partially-annular thermal management pad to hold thepartially-annular thermal management pads against the breasts of thepatient.
 14. The therapeutic breast garment of claim 13, furthercomprising: a privacy gown configured to be secured to cover both of thepartially-annular thermal management pads.
 15. The therapeutic breastgarment of claim 13 wherein each partially-annular thermal managementpad comprises: a partially-annular thermal management pad insertcontaining an effective quantity of a heat-absorbing material, said padinsert having quilting to prevent free movement of the heat-absorbingmaterial within the pad insert; and a partially-annular thermalmanagement pad cover to contain the partially-annular thermal managementpad insert, said thermal management pad cover having an opening to admitthe thermal management pad insert, and said opening to be closed with abutton and button-hole closure.